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UISSUE 1-2U 20P

thP February, 2009

UFROM THE PRINCIPAL

Our Vision Mercy Regional College serves a wide rural community which values growth and diversity in Catholic Education in

the Mercy tradition.

Our Mission In the Spirit of the Gospels we commit ourselves to the core values of community, inclusiveness, learning, care,

justice and mercy, excellence and achievement.

Our Focus for 2009 Learning: Through the Mercy tradition we encourage our community to seek knowledge,

to nurture curiosity and to love learning. UCollege Response to the Bush Fire Tragedy We all are affected in some way or another by the tragic bushfires that swept through many parts of Victoria last weekend. Whether we like it or not bushfires are very much part of life in Australia and each summer we expect that a bushfire will strike at least one community. However, none of us were expecting what we witnessed two weekends ago. Our prayers and thoughts are with all those families who have lost loved ones and who have had their houses and property destroyed. I have been heartened by the enthusiasm of our staff and students to raise money for the bushfire victims. Our response as a College community will be as follows:

Our homeroom groups will collect money each morning during the course of the Lenten period. Our usual focus at this time of the year is the Caritas Appeal but under the current circumstances our donations will be made to the appropriate bodies coordinating the Victorian Bushfire Appeal

Our staff have been given the opportunity to make donations via a payroll deduction with the College make dollar for dollar each donations

The Student Representative Council will also coordinate a number of fundraising activities in the coming weeks

The College will also be pleased to facilitate, for parents, the donation of money to the Red Cross.

UCommencement Mass On Thursday, the College community celebrated the commencement of the school year with Mass at St Thomas’ Church, Terang. The Eucharist that we celebrated focused on our school’s Vision and Mission statement. This year, through the Mercy tradition, we encourage our community to seek knowledge, to nurture curiosity and to love learning. Our focus for 2009 is particularly appropriate as we embark upon our new organizational structure which places the emphasis on teaching and learning. At the conclusion of Mass, the presentation of our leaders and the formal installation of our College and House Captains took place. UCollege Captains: Emily Baird and Michael Harney UCollege Vice Captains: Milli Cabel and Tim Hickey UCollege Performing Arts Captains: Rachael Broomby and Hugh Saunders UCollege Sports Captain: Katie Milbourne UStudent Representative Council Liaison: Lucy Adams UHouse Captains: Frayne Jacqui Heffernan & Jacob Monk

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Markey Georgia Muir & Chris Baxter Ryan Stacey Hall & Narelle Place Tindley Jasmine Bell & Tim Mahony Our Year 12 students were also presented with their Year 12 badges. The College community also took the opportunity of acknowledging and congratulating the Dux of Mercy Regional College for 2008, Katie Alexander, who achieved an ENTER score of 91.05. The Dux of each Unit 3 & 4 subject studied at Mercy last year were also presented with their academic prize. Below is a list of recipients: Accounting: Anna Whiting Biology: Bernard McLeod Business Management Curtis Sonnet Chemistry: Sarah Kemp Design & Technology: Shaun Mahony English: Verity Thornton Food Technology: Simone O’Sullivan Health & Human Development: Bernard McLeod

& Jayne Rantall Australian History: Millicent Cabel IT Applications: Nicholas Stephenson Legal Studies: Katie Alexander Further Maths: Sarah Porzig Maths Methods: Joshua Hickey Specialist Maths: Adam Thulborn Outdoor & Environmental Studies: Katie Milbourne Physical Education: Bernard McLeod Physics: Sarah Porzig Psychology: Pippen Rounds Studio Art: Katie Alexander Congratulations to our academic prize winners! I would like to thank Fr Denis Dennehy for celebrating the Mass for us and Mrs Margaret Leahy for her preparation and organisation of the Mass. My appreciation is also extended to Mrs Fiona Pugh for ensuring the Eucharist was celebrated with music and song. Thank you also to the parents who provided morning tea. It was greatly appreciated. Swimming Carnival Last Friday, the College held its annual swimming carnival, with all students participating in the numerous swimming events. The eventual winners for the day were Ryan House. Age champions were: U/13 Female Sarah Bullen Male Charles Calvert U/14 Female Kayla Spicer Male Jock Goold

U/15 Female Amy Gaut Male Dylan Lee/Daniel Unwin U/16 Female Ellie Kenna

Male James Devlin U/17 Female Lauren Carlin Male Eamonn O’Connor U/21 Female Katie Milbourne Male Xavier Darcy Congratulations to all members of Ryan House and the Age Champions. Date Claimer Last year, the Annual Mercy Dinner was held and the College welcomed back and honoured past student Dr Lauren Bourke. I am sure that all those in attendance would agree it was a great night. This year, the fourth Annual Mercy Dinner will be held on Friday 22nd May, commencing at 7.00pm, at the Noorat Community Centre. I am delighted to announce that our guests this year will be Sara Tindley and Peter Daffy. Peter, a well renowned local musician, reunited with Sara last year, in Camperdown, when they performed at Court a’ Fair café. From all accounts this was a wonderful evening of entertainment and I am delighted that they have accepted the College invitation to perform at the Mercy Dinner. This will provide a unique opportunity for the College to promote the performing arts by being able to recognise two past students have have been able to achieve great success in this area. They are both very inspiring artists. This year again the College will also be taking the opportunity to honour staff members who have given 15 and 25 years of service to the College. It promises to be a most enjoyable evening, so please make a note in your dairies and keep the date free. Congratulations Congratulations are extended to Nicola Sharp, who was awarded a scholarship at the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association Education Group National Summer School, in January this year. The scholarship is awarded in recognition of a fine attitude and most promising potential demonstrated during the Summer School 2009. This award entitles the recipient to admission to the next National Summer School in 2010 without payment of enrolment fees. A great effort Nicola! Assessment Planners Semester 1 2009 assessment planners have been drawn up to provide parents and students with details relating to the assessment items that need to be completed during this time. A copy of the coming fortnight’s assessments for all year levels is on page 13 of this newsletter. Please feel free to contact your son/daughter’s homeroom teacher or year coordinator at the College should you have any questions or concerns.

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URetreats and Camps Last week saw our Year 12 students undertake their Annual Retreat, staying just outside Dunkeld. Our Year 7 students went to Portland for their Orientation Camp. I was able to visit both the Year 7 Camp and the Year 12 Retreat during the course of the three days. I was most impressed with they way all students were participating in the programs and all teachers spoke very highly of the students’ behaviour and involvement. This year saw a change to the Year 11 Camp, with the focus of this time away on the many and varied options that are open to students once they have completed their secondary education. The first two days of the camp saw Year 11 students venture to Melbourne, and inspect two tertiary institutions, RMIT and ACU along with becoming familiar with life in Melbourne such as catching public transport etc. The final day of the camp was spent at the Noorat Community Centre, hearing from a wide range of guest speakers about life at University and in the workplace. The camps and retreats certainly cannot operate without a team of dedicated staff. When staff volunteer to organise and attend camps and retreats this requires a significant sacrifice of personal time. It requires teachers to be away from families and other commitments for three days and while on camp being responsible for students 24 hours a day. With little sleep each night, our teachers are able to ensure that our students have a wonderful and worthwhile experience. I also think it is important to note that not one extra dollar is paid to staff to undertake camps and retreats. I am indeed grateful to all the staff who organised and participated in our Camp and Retreat Program this year. I trust that both parents and students are grateful for their efforts also. I wish to thank the following staff who gave up their time to allow the camping and retreat program to operate: Year 11 Camp

Year 12 Retreat

Year 7 Camp

Kerin Glennen Lyn Davies Tony Wynd Lisa Pope Jenny Phillips Jenny Binder Lesa Thornton Margaret

Leahy Jo Saunders

Danae Fraser Michael Clements

Simon Horan

Dean Ludeman Justin Staunton

Fiona Sargeant

Helen Kenna James Castles Sharyn Grinter Jared Lynn Marg Jeffrey Lachie Lee Laura McCosh

(student teacher)

UPTFA Meeting At the PTFA Meeting, held on Monday 16P

thP February,

the fund raising activities were discussed and decided upon. The fund raising activities for 2009 will be:

1. A School-Fee Raffle (February - March) 2. Presentation Ball (27P

thP March)

3. Selling of Chocolate Frogs - back by popular demand (May)

4. Car Raffle (September – November) Posted home last week was information relating to the first fund raising activity, the School-Fee Raffle. The prizes for the raffle are:

1st Prize: 1 year’s Tuition Fees Paid 2ndP

PPrize: 50% of 1 year’s Tuition Fee paid

3rdP

PPrize: 25% of 1 year’s Tuition Fee paid.

Each family has received four tickets for this raffle; however more can be purchased from the office to increase your chances! Cost of each ticket is $5.00 The raffle will be drawn on Monday, 16P

thP March, at

the next PTFA Meeting to be held at the O’Keeffe Campus at 7.30pm. This is a great opportunity to have your fees paid for one year. Therefore, I encourage everyone to have a go and purchase 1, 2, 3 or 4 tickets. Sold tickets and money to be returned to the office by Friday 13P

thP March.

Best of luck and thank you once again for your on-going support of the PTFA. The next PTFA Meeting will be held at the O’Keeffe Campus, commencing at 7.30pm, on Monday, 16P

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March. This is the Annual General Meeting, so please come along and lend your support to the Committee. We will commence the meeting with drinks and nibbles while inspecting the new O’Keeffe Junior Campus. The AGM will commence at 8.00pm UYear 10 Work Experience While our Year 7, 11 and 12 students were at camp or retreat, our Year 10 students participated in the Work Experience Program for the week. The reports from the employers have been overwhelmingly positive and I congratulate our Year 10 students on the way they participated in the workforce for the week. Particular thanks and appreciation are extended to Mrs Lisa Pope, who was responsible for the organization of the Work Experience program, Mr Wayne Walsh who worked with the students last year in preparing them for the week and Mrs Maureen Adeney for her assistance with the organization of the placements and the completion of the extensive paper work associated with work experience.

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O’Keeffe Campus “Open for Inspection” Many families are very keen to have a look at the development of the O’Keeffe Campus. Our Year 7 families had the opportunity to view the new campus at the Year 7 Welcome BBQ. To accommodate these requests, there will be an “Open for Inspection” of the O’Keeffe Campus for all families on Wednesday 18th March from 3.30pm – 6.30pm. Afternoon tea will be available during this time. Prospective families are also more than welcome to attend. I look forward to seeing many of our families on this afternoon. Presentation Ball Once again our Year 11 students will be participating in the Presentation Ball at the end of Term 1. The Presentation Ball this year will be a fully ticketed event. The need for this has arisen due to concerns that have been raised over recent years about the number of guests who attend. In particular, concerns relate to compliance with fire regulations at Glenormiston College, Occupational Health ad Safety. There are issues for staff and parents who volunteer, as well as concerns about the number of unsupervised children on the evening and the poor behaviour of some guests, along with general security concerns. Therefore, each Year 11 family who has a child participating in the Presentation Ball will be allocated 10 tickets. If a family does not have a need for all 10 tickets they can be returned to the College for distribution to other families who would like addition tickets. With families, Year 11 students and staff the total number of guests for the 2009 Presentation Ball will be in excess of 750 people. This is a number that can be catered for comfortably by Glenormiston College Reminders For Parents & Students 1. Bus Passes Students who wish to have a bus pass must have a letter/note from parents detailing the reason for the bus pass. If there is no letter/note from parents a bus pass will not be issued. 2. Lunch Passes Lunch passes are only issued to students who live close to the College and with parent’s permission wish to return home for lunch. Friends are not permitted to go with students who have been issued a lunch pass and a letter from parents is required before a pass will be issued. Lunch passes are not issued to students who wish to go down the street for lunch or to run errands for parents. There are significant legal liability issues surrounding the care of students during the school day, hence the need for all students to remain on school grounds during recess and lunch.

3. Extended absences from the College Where-ever possible, extended absences from school for holidays and other commitments should be avoided. Where this is not possible a written letter to the Principal explaining the circumstances is required. To send a message to school via your son or daughter informing the class teacher of a week’s family holiday is not acceptable. 4. Student Diary Each student has been issued with a College diary. Contained within the first 8 pages is information relating to the various school rules, regulations and policies. I would urge all parents and students to take the time to read these pages. 5. Uniform I would like to remind all students of the importance of representing Mercy Regional College to the highest possible standard when in the general community. One very practical way in which all students can achieve this is through wearing the College uniform correctly and with pride. The details relating to the College uniform are clearly expressed in various documents including the student diary. I would ask for parents’ support in ensuring that all our students wear the uniform correctly and with pride. 6. Procedures for reporting absences to the College All absences need to be reported to the College on the day of absence by 9.00am. The College switchboard opens at 8.15am. Absences then need to be followed up with a note to the homeroom teacher the next day that students are at school. The College has a legal responsibility to be able to account for all students. Also, students who arrive late to school need to have a note from parents explaining the reason for late arrival. Parents’ co-operation in these matters will eliminate the need for the College to make phone calls later in the morning. Prayer In conclusion, I offer this prayer for us to pray in the coming week:

All things look to you, O Lord, to give them their food in due season:

look in mercy on your people, and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions have been

lost, or are threatened by fire and flood.

In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.

Protect those who fight the fires, and those who care for them.

So guide and bless your people, That we may enjoy the fruits of the earth and give you thanks with grateful hearts,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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UAlong the Track I have attached to this newsletter, for your interest, on page 14 a reflection title “Living Simply” written by Jim Quilinan from the Diocesan Catholic Education Office in Warragul. I hope you enjoy this reading.

UAndrew Watson PRINCIPAL UMercy Awards VCE (Yr 11 & 12) Mercy Award

Melissa Brewer for her generosity in the bush fire appeal. Middle School (Yr 9 & 10) Mercy Award

Sophie Quick for her display of Mercy Spirit when working with sick children at Ronald McDonald House while on Work Experience. Junior School (Yr 7 & 8) Mercy Award

Dominic Cavarsan for making other students feel welcomed and going out of his way to look out for them.

UFrom the Wellbeing Coordinator Kerin Glennen The year has begun at a frenetic pace with so much happening at Mercy it is hard not to be caught up in the energy and excitement of a new school year. We welcome students from so many areas, each with his/her own story and talents that they bring to our college. Years 7, 11 and 12 have taken part in their Camp or Retreat, This is when students take time to be together and get to know their peers. All reports that have been forthcoming since these activities took place have been glowing with both students and staff enjoying the time together. Our Year 10 students have been on Work Experience as well. This is a time of commitment from our students to “try” something new and more importantly to get a glimpse of an adult world and what is expected of them. Again, listening to several of the conversations regarding this experience, the overwhelming vibe has been positive. These experiences, combined with our swimming sports have made the first weeks of the term ones of involvement. Our year 8s are away at camp next week and we wish them all the best with the experience of Princetown. So much to be involved in at Mercy! I draw to parents the upcoming date. UThursday the 5UPU

thUPU of March 7pmU at the Killara

Centre in Camperdown. “Staying Safe in Cyberspace.” Mobile phone, Internet-safety and Cyberbullying This maybe an area that some parents may struggle with.

What is the difference between Facebook and Myspace and then what is MSN?

The dangers associated with using these programs and how to deal with them.

Rights and responsibilities in Cyberworld. This FREE evening will include presentations from Internet-safety consultants and provide answers to staying safe. I understand families are busy, but I do recommend this evening of information. We take time to remember and pray for those who were affected by the fires that ravaged our state. Lives will never be the same and families have suffered tragic losses. To those who worked so tirelessly, to save property and lives, we thank you for all you did. If you have any concerns regarding your son / daughter whilst they are at Mercy please speak with homeroom teachers or the co-ordinator of the year level. I am also available to discuss issues with parents.

From The Business Manager Matin Ellul

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For parents who wanted to pay their school fees by Direct Debit or Credit Card Authorisation payments, please note that thel forms should have been returned to the College office last Friday. Also, all EMA application forms should have been returned last week. To allow us enough time to set up all the information into the various programs, no more late applications will be accepted after the end of business on Monday 23rd February, 2009. From the Director of Learning and Teaching – Careers Report Mrs. Lisa Pope South West TAFE If you have an interest in music performance, SW TAFE can help you develop your skills on a musical instrument or voice. All you need is at least three years of experience on your chosen instrument or voice. Classes are offered on Tuesday evenings from 4.30pm to 7.30pm and VCE Units 1 – 4 can be studied. Expressions of interest are being taken for the 2009 VCE Music Performance program. For further information register your interest for 2009 by contacting 5564 8911 or email info@swtafe.vic.edu.au University of Melbourne – Veterinary Science Open Day – Sunday 22nd March 10am – 4pm This is a once-a-year opportunity for future students and the community to go behind the scenes at the state-of-the-art Veterinary Clinic and Hospital. There will be a chance to speak to veterinary staff, meet current students and take a tour of the facilities. There will be lectures for Year 10 and above students at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm. For more information Telephone 8344 7357 or visit http://vet-unimelb.custhelp.com or www.vet.unimelb.edu.au The Age VCE Careers Expo 2009 The Expo will be held at Caulfield Racecourse on Friday, 24th, Saturday 25th, and Sunday 26th, April, 2009. An Expo Visitor Guide will be published in ‘The Age” on Monday, 20th April. Mrs Pope has some free tickets for those interested in attending. Please see Mrs Pope for booking form. For more information go to: vceandcareers.com.au or contact Resources for Courses on 9596 8881 or team@resourcesforcourses.com.au Please see Mrs Pope for more information on any of the above.

Instrumental Music Program 2009 Fiona Pugh

Update for Students, Parents and Teachers Guitar Lessons We are currently advertising for a replacement Guitar Teacher as Alex Francis resigned early this term. We hope to appoint a new Guitar Teacher by March. All students who have not been contacted will learn from our new Guitar Teacher. Semester lesson payments will also be adjusted because of this. Invoices will be issued in March for guitar students who are not learning from our other guitar teacher, Peter Sharp. Some guitar students have recommenced lessons with Peter Sharp on a Tuesday. Saxophone and Trumpet Lessons These lessons will commence with Mr Tucker on Friday, 20 February. Students will receive their lesson times soon. Singing Lessons Singing Lessons will commence with Mr Tucker on Friday, 20 February. Students will receive their lesson time soon. Violin and Cello Lessons Violin and Cello Lessons commenced last Tuesday, 17 February. Students learning in groups of more than two will have their Semester Fees adjusted accordingly. Drum Lessons Drum Lessons will commence with Mr Emry in March. Semester fees will be adjusted accordingly. Invoices will be issued in March for Drum students. Writing Competition

If you are interested in the above, application forms are available from the College office. Maths Challenge If any parents are interested in their child participating in the upcoming Maths Challenge for Young Australians, please contact Mrs. Leanne Carpenter for further information.

Year 12 Retreat Report by: Emily Baird & Narelle Place On Wednesday, 11th February, the Year 12 students boarded the bus to Dunkeld for their final School Retreat. Our aims for this retreat included learning to know ourselves better and developing an improved relationship with our peers and teachers. We began the Retreat with ice-breaking activities. We played games to get to know one another better, build trust and help us to work together as a team. Throughout the Retreat we had discussions about our lives, what we could improve upon and setting goals for our futures. On the first night, we were lucky enough to have Daryl, a local musician come in and play some of his favourite songs. This gave some of our peers the opportunity to demonstrate their musical talents; Sharni Blake was definitely a stand out with her amazing voice. We then settled down to watch a movie and end our first day. The second day gave us a chance to go on the giant swing and participate in initiative activities. These activities provided us with opportunities to work as a team and provided a good deal of entertainment too. That night, we all dressed up for the Op Shop formal. There were many standout outfits and everyone looked smashing. Many photos were taken and laughs were had. After tea, those people who had avoided the giant swing earlier in the day had another chance to go on it. On the last day, we received our affirmations from our peers and teachers. This Retreat was one that will never be forgotten because it was one of the last times we will be together as a group, away from the school environment. As a result, we have become closer as a year level. We cannot thank the teachers enough for the work and effort they contributed.

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Year 11 Camp Lachie Lee This year we introduced a new camp of two days and one night in Melbourne for the Year 11 class. The concept is to help the students develop skills and knowledge which will help them in their career direction and their motivation to study at VCE level. We began with an information session at RMIT University. This consisted of an orientation activity and a presentation from members of the University staff. Students had an insight into the courses available at the Uni and a glimpse of life at an urban campus. We then walked along Victoria Parade to the Melbourne campus of Australian Catholic University. This also consisted of a presentation from staff and a student, originally from Warrnambool, who had recently been on exchange with St. John’s University in New York. We also had a conducted tour of the campus. Again, it was a chance for the students to see the opportunities available to them. After lunch the students spent time at the Melbourne Museum then we travelled by bus to our accommodation in North Melbourne. For dinner, the staff and students walked to Lygon Street then transferred by bus to Southbank -the idea being to enable the students to see the city at night and make independent choices about food etc. On Thursday, the students worked in their groups at a city orientation activity which took them to such places as Luna Park, University of Melbourne, St Kilda Pier, the Windsor Hotel, as well as each group having a guided tour of the Mary McKillop Centre in East Melbourne. This was a challenging experience for some of the students and staff as they were expected to find their own way by train, tram and bus to their destinations, which were different for each group. Friday’s session was held at the Noorat Community Centre where the students were given advice about proper preparation for life at Years 11 and 12 and beyond. Merv Edmunds gave valuable advice to the students about such things as mental health, preparedness for study, getting along with each other and proper nutrition during these challenging years. Westvic’s Gary Baker and Darren Mounsey conducted a session on being properly prepared for job interviews, the correct way to prepare a resume and letter of application along with other useful hints for their future employment prospects. Finally, former MRC school captain Josh Saunders, who is studying medicine at Monash University and ex-Trinity, Colac, student Robert O’Shea, who is doing an Arts degree at the University of Melbourne, spoke to the students about the future after Years 11 and 12 and the different aspects of life at University.

Thanks to all the staff who were involved, to Annette Price for her catering on Friday and especially to the students, whose commitment and involvement over the three days contributed greatly to the success of the camp. Below are a few photos from the Camp.

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Year 7 Camp Dana Rhode The Year 7’s of Mercy Regional College “kicked off” their year with a get-to-know-you camp. There were 78 students participating in the three day camp. All students have reported that the camp was great fun. The students either slept in a room that held 2 or 3 people. Everyone got along well and the teachers reported that they were very impressed by all the students’ behaviour. On the first day, the students made their way to Port Fairy by bus. There they split into four groups. One group went on the boat, the other walked down the street. After lunch it was onto the bus again and heading for Portland. Our destination was the Portland Bay Conference Centre, we would eat, sleep and relax. On the second day, it was an early start, especially for the people in room six, as the person on the opposite side of the corridor fell out of bed and decided to yell about it. This person has decided to remain anonymous. When the bell rang, everyone knew what that meant, breakfast! Soon we were on the bus again and arriving at the starting point of the 10km walk, which took three hours. On the third day, we left early and headed for the wind farm, where we went on a guided tour and found out some very interesting facts. After that we headed for Lake Pertobe in Warrnambool. There we had lunch and had time to play for a while. Then it was on the bus again to go back to Noorat. We arrived at 2.45pm, then we all went home. The Year 7 camp was magnificent fun. Thankyou to the teachers who came along

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UMRC Swimming Carnival Katie Milbourne – Sports Captain On the 6P

thP Feb we held our Annual Swimming

Carnival. The day was a success due the P.E staff’s tireless efforts and great organisation. We were extremely grateful for the level of participation, from the students and it was great to see so many getting involved and having a go. It was also a pleasure to see the number of parents who came along to encourage their children. The battle for the overall champion title was hard fought all day but from the beginning, Ryan house was looking the goods and in the end came out on top winning by just 16 pts. The results were as follows:

Ryan 1174 Tindley 1158 Frayne 1090 Markey 1035

As well as overall and age champions, we had some new awards available this year. These included the Spirit Award and Best Dressed Awards. The Spirit Award was given to the member of the house who was fully involved, whether it was swimming or encouraging house members and who had an enthusiastic and positive attitude by their willingness to help out. Spirit Award, the winners were -

Kailyn Baird Rhys Jansen van Beek Anna Baker-Campbell Michael Williams

Best Dressed Award, the winners were: Tindley Caitlin Mason Markey Alex Place Frayne Charlie Bradshaw Ryan Jenna McSween Age Champions, the winners were: Under 13 Female Sarah Bullen Under 13 Male Charles Calvert Under 14 Female Kayler Spicer Under 14 Male Jack Goold Under 15 Female Amy Gaut Under 15 Male Dylan Lee and Daniel Unwin Under 16 Female Ellie Kenna Under 16 Male James Devlin Under 17 Female Lauren Carlin Under 17 Male Eamon O’Conner Under 21 Female Katie Milbourne Under 21 Male Xavier Darcy

Thursday 2nd April

Term 1 concludes for students Parent/Teacher/Student interviews (4.00pm – 8.00pm McAuley Campus)

Friday 3rd April Sunday 22nd February Parent/Teacher/Student interviews Presentation Ball Training (10.00am – 2.00pm) Tuesday 24th February Presentation Ball Training Twilight Theology at MRC Margaret Leahy Wednesday 25th February Year 8 Camp commences AN INVITATION IS EXTENDED TO ALL AGE GROUPS The Adult Faith Education, (Twilight Theology)

sessions which have run over the past two years, will begin again at MRC, in the staff dining room, on March 5th from 4pm until 6pm, followed by a light meal. There is no cost but it would be helpful to have numbers beforehand. The evening will consist of an informal presentation and conversation style session run by Mr. Peter Foord from Loreto College in Ballarat. The theme of the presentation will be our search for God. Peter will present opportunities to explore the ways in which the Catholic tradition understands God in a modern setting, including our notions of the cosmos and eco spirituality. Peter, who is the Head of Religious Education at Loreto Ballarat, has spoken at a number of key forums to groups of catholic lay people and educators and his material is challenging and stimulating. Please come along and join in this evening.

Friday 27th February Year 8 Camp concludes Sunday 1st March Presentation Ball Training Tuesday 3rd March Presentation Ball Training Wednesday 4th March School Photos VCE Information Evening – 7.30pm Monday 9th March Labour Day Tuesday 10th March Presentation Ball Training MRC 2009 Athletics CarnivalWednesday 11th March James Castles MRC Athletics Carnival If there are any parents interested in helping out

with the Athletics Carnival on the 11th March, please give me a call at the school. It would be fantastic if you could help. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your support.

Sunday 15th March Presentation Ball Training Monday 16th March PTFA Meeting 7.30pm O’Keeffe Campus Draw of School Fee Raffle PUBLIC NOTICES Tuesday 17th March Presentation Ball Training

Wednesday 18th March O’Keeffe Campus “Open for Inspection” 3.30-6.30pm Sunday 22nd March Presentation Ball Training

Loreto in Portland – 125 years Join in the celebration 20th-22nd March. Wednesday 25th March

Contact Bayview College 5523 1042 Presentation Ball Training

Friday 27th March RECREATION WEEK 2009: Community Cycle When: Sunday 1st March The Presentation Ball Time: Register from 9.30am for 10am start

Tuesday 31st March Where: Cobden Miniature Railway For any further enquiries contact Brooke Love on 5593 7100.

MRC Board Annual General Meeting

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Work Experience Report Congratulations to all the Year 10 students who participated in work experience last week. I am sure over the coming weeks we will hear more about the experiences of our students in the work force. A big thank you to all of the employers that took the time to teach our students industry skills and a special thank you to Maureen Adeney and Wayne Walsh for the numerous hours of preparation they put into this program to ensure it is a success. Finally, thank you to all of the parents who rearrange their routines to help assist their children in exposing them to life in the work force. Here are some photos of our students during last week on Work Experience.

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Assessment Planner 2009 - Semester 1 / Term 1

Week Subject Assessment Item 4 w/e 27/2

Home Economics RE English Woodwork

Design Brief ‘Choice of Muffin’ Poster “All About Me” Writing Folio Task Persuasive 2 Begin Plastics Projects

YEAR 7 5 w/e 6/3

SOSE Science LOTE English Physical Education/Health Drama

Rap Song Practical Report Test: Greetings/Classroom Objects/Numbers 1-10/Alphabet Writing Folio Task Persuasive 3 Sun Protection Logo Drama Journal Check

Week Subject Assessment Item 4 w/e 27/2

Home Economics English Religion Art

Design Brief ‘Scroggin’ Minor Task – Gadget Record Sheet Graphic Representation – Early Church Pop Artists Task Due

YEAR 8 5 w/e 6/3

Drama Religion LOTE Science Textiles Woodwork

Drama Journal Check Graphic Representation – Paul’s Conversion Test: Greetings/Classroom Objects/Numbers 1-10/Alphabet Practical Report – Living Lunch Project 1 – Hand sewing and Booklet Evaluation Begin Practical Project

Week Subject Assessment Item 4 w/e 27/2

Maths SOSE RE English Graphics

Chapter 2 – Test Pythagoras Test Australian Landforms Tourist Brochure Research Task Text Response – Holes Symbol Design Task Due YEAR 9

5 w/e 6/3

Information Technology English RE PD 9C Media

Desktop Publishing Production Text Response - Holes Christian Community Task Resume and Cover Letter Completion of Research into the Format of Digital Images

Week Subject Assessment Item 4 w/e 27/2

VCAL English Graphics

“Jane’s Call” Task Writing Folio – Personal Writing Piece Architectural Drawing Task Due

YEAR 10 5 w/e 6/3

PE Drama Woodwork Science Graphics VCE Psychology

Assignment – Mental Illness Drama Journal Check Power Tools Skills Test Test Isometric Drawing Task Due Unit 1 Outcome 1 Assessment Task – Introduction to Psychology

Week Subject Assessment Item 4 w/e 27/2

Food 1 Methods 1. Outdoor Education 1

Folio Test Research Task

YEAR 11 5 w/e 6/3

Foundation English Studio Art 1 Methods 1 General Maths 1 Design Technology 1

Grammar Tasks Self portrait tasks due Worksheet Test-Chapter 1 Collaborative Re-Design assessment task

Week Subject Assessment Item 4 w/e 27/2

Food 3 Physical Ed3 Biology Unit 3 Biology Unit 3 Further Maths 3 Outdoor Education 3

Folio SAC 1 SAC – Practical for Area Study one SAC – Summary Report of Practicals Chapter 2-Test Research Task YEAR 12 5

w/e 6/3 Legal Studies 3 Business Management 3 Accounting 3 Studio Art 3 Further Maths 3 Design Technology 3 Maths Methods

SAC 1 SAC Task (Outcome 1) Test 1 Work Brief (Final) – Outcome 1 Chapter 3-Test Cutting list and drawings Due Test and Review

* Please note that changes may occur and students will be notified by subject teacher of any changes.

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